Story of the Riot.

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Story of the Riot. Re-told at Inquest. Coroner and Solicitor. "Hold Your Tongue." The adjourned inquest on the body of Samuel Rayes, Partridge Road, Trealaw, who died as the result of injuries re- ceived on the night of the Tonypandy riots, was resumed at Porth oil Thurs- day last by Mr. R. J. Rhys. the coroner. Mr. W. P. Nicholas appeared for the relatives, and Mr. D. Watts Morgan for the Miners' Federation. Representing the police were the Chief Constable (Capt. Lindsay), Deputy Chief Constable Cole, Supt. D. Morris (Barry), and Supt. A. Thomas (Canton). At the outset the Coroner explained that he had noticed a remark made by Mr. Keir Hardie that the deceased man had died as the result of a blow from a truncheon. He had, therefore, written to Mr. Keir Hardie asking him for infor- mation which would enable him to get witnesses to bear out this statement. Mr. Keir Hardie replied that his state- ment was based upon information given him by members of the strike committee, and in reply to a further letter Mr. Keir Hardie supplied him with the names of the chairman and secretary respectively of the committee referred to. In view of the fact that the conduct of the police was called in question, he (the coroner) conducted personal inquiries, and again wrote to Mr. W. John, the chairman of the strike committee, but that gentleman had not replied to -his communication at all. He then wrote to Mr. Mark Harcombe, the secretary of the strike committee, asking the latter to help him to obtain evidence as to the man's death. In spite of all these efforts, I however. no such evidence was forth- coming, and they were still in the dark as to how deceased met his injuries. Medical Evidence. Dr. Burton, assistant to Dr. Morgan, said deceased had wounds on the back of his head, one about two inches long and two others not quite so long, penetrating to the bone. Two days later deceased was taken to Porth Cottage Hospital, where he died on the Friday following the night of the riots. A post-mortem revealed that there was a fracture of the skull over the right ear, and another adjoining it on to the temple. Underneath the fractures there were the remains of a clot of blood, and death had ensued consequent upon brain pressure due to the clot of blood referred to. The fracture had been caused by a blunt .instrument—it might have been caused by a policeman's truncheon. Several of the weapons used by the strikers were produced in court. Inspector Parfitt, Bristol, said he was in charge of eighteen mounted policemen. Shortly after four o'clock he saw a large crowd of strikers throwing stones at the windows of the power station. He and his men went to the spot, and on the way were met with a shower of stones. As the strikers refused to desist, he charged the crowd. Later the stone- throwing became so heavy that they had to retire towards the colliery. Fourteen of his men were struck and injured. Five horses were injured, one rather severely. None of his men used their truncheons. Police Sergeant Fred Smith, of the Glamorgan Constabulary, said that staves were drawn by his men, who were unable to get at the crowd. Not there to Whitewash the Police. Deputy Chief Constable Cole stated that at four o'clock a huge procession came on the scene near the power-house from the direction of Trealaw. The police were drawn up in front of the entrance to the colliery. The Chief Con- stable spoke to the crowd, and explained the contents of a telegram whjch he had received from Mr. Askwith, advising them —the men-to be peaceable. The crowd paid no attention to this, and began pulling down the hoardings in front of the colliery. At that time the detach- ment of Cardiff police, under Inspector Lewis, arrived from the billets. A num- ber of these officers were suffering from scalp wounds, and blood was running down their faces. The strikers were nearly all armed, and were using bad language and shouting, We will show the how we did with them in South Africa." The crowd paid no heed to advice that they should go away, but closed on the police, and the situation became so critical that the order to charge was given. Batons were drawn, and a num- ber of strikers, as well as police, were struck down. While the police were en- gaged in dispersing the crowd in the direction of Llwynypia they were attacKed in the rear by another huge crowd, and 37 officers were injured as the result of the encounter, and some had to be sent home. There was no doubt about it being a well-organised crowd. Mr. W. P. Nicholas protested that they were not there that day to whitewash the police, and evidence had been given which was anterior to the time of the accident to the deceased. The Coroner said it was surely neces- sary to find out, in view of the doctor's evidence, as to the circumstances under which the police" had drawn their staves, so as to say whether they were justified in, doing so or not. Inspector Lewis said that the mounted men did not use their batons. 'Touch and Go." Captain Lindsay, the Chief Constable, said that a very large procession passed the Glamorgan Colliery on the evening of the riots. The crowd was very threaten- ing, and desultory attacks were made during the afternoon upon the colliery, but it was at dusk when what he described as the real attacks were made. By this time, went on the witaess, the mounted police were quite helpless. The position was getting very serious and un- tenable for the police, who were huddled under the wall for sheter from stones,

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---.-Presentation at Pentre.

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Presentation at Pentre. Workmen's Recognition of Generous Lady. An interesting presentation meeting took place on Monday night, when Mrs. C. Davies, of the Llewellyn Arms Hotel, Pentre, was made the recipient of a gold bracelet and gold wrist watch by the workmen of the Pentre Colliery for her kindnesses to the men during the recent labour trouble. It will be recalled that the men at this colliery were locked out for seven weeks over a wage dispute, and during this period Mr. and Mrs. Davies acted with great generosity to the men out of employment. It was felt that a recognition should be made, and the handsome present was subscribed for by those who had shared in the kindness. Mr. Tom Rees occupied the chair and 'said the occasion would remain in the minds of those present for many years to come. It had been brought about by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, who had always been to the front when a good action had to be done, or a good cause espoused. Such good deeds brought men together in closer human touch one with another (applause). Mrs. Davies had been prompted by the highest sense of duty, and this had found an appre- ciation and response from those who con- tributed to her little present (applause). The gift was handed over by Mr. Llewellyn, who remarked that it was well deserved. Several of the workmen also spoke in terms of praise of the generosity ex- tended by Mr. and Mrs. Davies. The preservation committee included Mr. John Jc, (secretary), Mr. W. R. Wi'Uams (treasurer), Mr. Danl. Jones (chairman), and Mr. Llewellyn Davies vice-president). An excellent musical programme was contributed during the evening. Mr. Bryn Williams presiding at the piano- forte. and Mr. Fred French accompanying on the violin.

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The Fight Against Consumption.

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The Fight Against Consumption. Appeal to the Churches- Mr. D. Davies, M.P., has issued the following appeal to the churches: The decision of the representative con- ference held at Shrewsbury in September last, to commemoraM the late King by a national effort to stamp out tuberculosis, has commended itself at once -to the loyal sentiments and religious convictions of the people of Wales. The Executive Committee appeal, therefore, with confi- dence to the Christian congregations throughout the Principality to support the movement. Tuberculosis exacts a heavy toll: of human life in all civilised countries, and- especially in parts of Wales. Between three and four thousand lives are annually lost in vVales. In addition there are from ten to twelve thousand dis- abled victims of this one disease declining into premature graves. This suffering: and death mean a vast amount of domestic sorrow and anxiety and irrepar- able national loss. Poverty and consump- tion are closely associated. Just as poverty reduces a person's power of resisting infection, so prolonged illness brings dire poverty in its train, and the wife and children of the consumptive worker, badly housed and ill-nourished* fall a ready prey to disease. Medical science has placed within: our- reach the power to reduce and in time to eliminate the ravages of this scourge of mankind, but the application of the knowledge we already possess requires money. For this money we now appeal. Of the P-300,000 we have set out to raise, P-125,000 are still required for the carry- ing on of a prolonged educational cam- paign, the provision of dispensaries and nurses, and the establishment of sana- toria. The effort to diminish unnecessary suffering is in harmony with the life of the Founder of the Christian religion, whose birth is commemorated at this season of the year. When Jesus sent the disciples back to John it was to tell John of the works of healing done by the Christ: the blind receive their sight,, and the lame walk, the Idpers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up.Im Christmas falls tins year on Sunday. We believe it is appropriate that we should invite the members of all the churches in or connected with VVales to dedicate at least one service on Christmas Day to the furtherance of this Holy Crusade against suffering, sorrow and loss. We hope all ministers will deliver- addresses on the movement, and that con- gregations will unite in praying for the Divine blessing to rest upon our labours. We venture to suggest that an oppor- tunity should be given for a collections on Christmas Day in aid of the cam- paign, and we hope all churches will unite in making this Christmas offering. Such congregational collections will supplement the gifts made by the mem- bers as citizens through other channels, and will provide facilities to any who may perchance be overlooked by other collecting agencies. All sums received will be acknowledged by the honorary treasurers in the public press and in the report to be published when the fund is completed. On behalf of the Executive Committee,. DAVID DAVIES. Chairman. Lla.ndinam, Dec. 10th. 1910. A Fearful Death-Rate. This terrible white man's scourge, un- fortunately so deadly in Wales, is at last to be confronted with an organised attack. The beautiful counties of Car- digan, Carmarthen and Carnarvon are among the blankest spots in the whole of England and Wales. Out of the total number of males who died from consumption in Carnarvonshire 60 per cent. were under 40 years of age, and, out of the total number of females- who died from the same disease. 75 per cent. were under 40. The chart below shews that out of 100 men who die of consumption, the greatest number die between the ages of 25 to 55, the working period of life when mea should be in their prime, of greatest help to those dependent on them, an to their fellow-men and women. EONSUMPTION-A Disease of the PRIME of LIFE. MALES. 23 out of every hundred dying from consumption die between 25-35' 22 „ „ „ 35-45 19 „ „ 45-55 64 „ „ 5, 26-5* Out of every three deaths from aU causes between the ages 20-45 years, one dies from consumption. The heavy black line in the above chart. shows how the number of deaths, from consumption is relatively small up to about 20 years of age, but from then 011 the death-rate rises at a fearful pace until the greatest height is reached & about 25 years of age, and it is maintained for some years until ahoU 45, when, as the line shows by taking downward course, the death-rat*? diminishes steadily until we find it 1. thoseSpeople of 65 years and over abo^ the same as in young children under years old.

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Story of the Riot.

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and it was realised that a charge was bound to be made on the crowd. The Coroner: In your opinion, was it practically imperative for the police to use their staves on this occasion ? Captain Lindsay said it was. The police were defenceless, as they had no missiles to repel the attacks made upon them by the crowds. Large stones were being thrown at them, and six or eight con- stables were incapacitated at every charge. The Deputy Chief Constable himself had to be practically carried into the colliery yard for safety. The Coroner Did the police have great difficulty in repelling these attacks. Captain Lindsay: It was touch, and go. The crowd retaliated blow for blow, and it was a question whether the police would succeed or not. The witness added that-ho saw some of the policemen's truncheons being smashed by coming into contact with, the weapons of the assailing crowd and representa- tions were made to him, What's the use of a thing like this against a mandril?" It was a regular organised attack upon the colliery. By Mr. W. P. Nicholas: It was a desperate affair. The crowd was so menacing that no one in his senses could doubt but that a row was intended. Inspector Hole said that the stones were coming down upon the police like hail, and there was no alternative but to draw the truncheons and make a charge. Superintendent A. Thomas said that the crowd would certainly have taken the colliery, but for the charge made by the police. Mrgi Connelly, Abraham Thomas, Ed. Garland, and others gave evidence as to deceased having remarked that he had 1 been struck down by a policeman's truncheon. Coroner and Solicitor. The Coroner again remarked that there was no evidence as to how and where the blow was received. There was no information as to where deceased had been between the time he left his lodgings and the time he was taken to the surgery. So far, all the information he had re- ceived on this point was hearsay. The statements taken from the deceased could not be taken as evidence. Mr. Nicholas expressed his dissent. The Coroner: You may dissent as much as you like. Mr. Nicholas replied that it had been held that such evidence was admissable, and he took exception to the ^Coroner's remark. The Coroner: Please be quiet, will you? Mr. Nicholas repeated his protest against what he regarded as an implied reflection on the relatives of the deceased. You are attacking these people who have instructed me/' he added with warmth. The Coroner: I am addressing the jury, and I must ask you to hold your tongue, if you please. Now be silent. Mr. Nicholas again entered a-protest, when the Coroner once more said, I must ask you to hold your tongue and let me go on." The Coroner then reviewed the evidence in detail. and explained to the jury that they would have to consider as to how deceased met his death, and, if they found that his injuries were caused by a policeman's truncheon, they would also have to find whether the police were justified in the action they had taken in using force to repel force for the purpose of preventing disorder. The Verdict, The jury returned a verdict as follows: —" That we agree that Samuel Rays died from injuries he received on November 8th, caused by some blunt instrument. The evidence is not sufficiently clear to us how he received those injuries."